Dear trade unionist,

I am writing on behalf of StandUp! an organisation fighting for unemployed and all people receiving social security. You may not be aware that the government will soon introduce drastic measures which will seriously effect unemployed people directly and workers indirectly.

From July 1 all unemployed under 50 not studying or working part time, will be forced to do community service or, in default, work for the dole. As an alternative they can opt to do part-time military service.
StandUp! totally opposes this co-option of workers on the dole queue. It is tough enough trying to find work and being forced to live on the dole, let alone having to work for it.

Work for the dole and community service are a serious attack on working conditions and unionisation. From an employer's point of view, why employ a unionist if you can get an unemployed person to do the same work for no pay?

What can your union do ?

Contact us on 9533 1727 to discuss a joint campaign against this legalised slavery and pass a resolution against these oppressive measures which will mean more hardship for unemployed and sole parents. We would greatly appreciate any statement from your union.Alternately contact us at:  standup_@ hotmail.com.

Our draft proposed resolution is:

"Our union is aware that from July 2002 unemployed people and from July 2003 sole parents will face new oppressive conditions in order to receive their benefits without penalty. These include community service, work for the dole and part-time military service. We consider that these attacks mean hardship to beneficiaries. We also consider that they are part of the government's campaign to undermine award wages and conditions and trade unionism. We support a campaign against the introduction of these measures."

Yours in solidarity